Garden City's mayor resigns

Garden City Mayor Andy Quinney has resigned to spend time with his family as he battles major health issues.

"I've been fighting some illnesses for about the last year and a half. It is a hereditary defect that both my father and grandfather had," Quinney, 54, announced Friday at the new City Hall and town center development, which he orchestrated to revitalize Garden City.

"My grandfather died at age 56 of a massive heart attack, and my father had a heart attack at 56 and was an invalid for the rest of his life. I don't want my grandson to say, 'I don't remember Pop because he was always sick.'"

A crowd of friends, and community and business leaders gathered at the town center to celebrate the facility and its potential for growth and revitalization.

Garden City Manager Brian Johnson praised Quinney for his seven years of vision and leadership.

"We lose a great advocate, ambassador and cheerleader for this city," he said.

Garden City Police Chief David Lyons said it was Quinney who had the insight to build the massive City Hall building for multi-governmental agencies in the wooded area around U.S. 17, which will attract commercial and residential development and create a scenic new downtown away from the industrial areas.

"I'm personally going to miss him because I consider him a friend," Lyons said. "Professionally, I'll miss him because he's been the rock that put this all together."

Quinney's resignation was effective immediately after his announcement Friday morning. The municipal clerk and county elections officials are working to determine whether there will be a special election or an appointed replacement.

When he walked out of council chambers, Quinney cut a ceremonial ribbon on the grand steps and reflected on his tenure and the future of Garden City.

"I will never sit in the mayor's office," he said. "But I'll always know it's there. Part of my soul is in it."